Forum Message

Pete, I try not to use the term northern soul too much. It is riddled with politics and I am not qualified to really engage with the deeper ramifications of it. My early days buying records and dancing were to ‘soul’ music from the US in Hull. I heard about the name change because some mates had ventured to the all nighter in Wigan circa 1974. The rest is history, and rightly so. However, the term does seem to sum up the music, so I loosely use the term now. The underground status of this music is still extremely strong. On board are the young souls (17/18 years olds) who are embracing the music now. Some even wear similar clothing to the early seventies fans. The older generation are split between those who want a future for the music (which is young people) and those who want to keep it underground an exclusive. The events I attend have a mixture of ages from 16 to 70! Yes, it seems odd to see ‘mature’ dancers on the floor with the energy of youth etc. But it’s fun. ‘Do I love you’…loved by some, hated by others…all pat of the story I guess. Also my safety lecture was tongue in cheek ha ha. But, I have slipped badly on talc I did not know was there and cut my hand open on the broken dance floor glass in the past! If you meant ‘Tell me’ Pete, it was a labour of love! David Van De Pitte of ‘What’s goin on’/Marvin Gaye fame was my arranger on the session. Dennis Coffey produced. ‘Landslide’ great track and don’t know whether it charted. Still fills the floor with old and young.

R Rees Williams…yes classic tunes. The ‘Chairman of the board’ track is also a ‘beach’ music cut. ‘Beach music’ is an American term for danceable soul. They do not quite use the Northern Soul term…(yet!!) They tend to dance together, where NS are lone dancers. If only I could dance like the example you linked to. I am basic, with some interesting moves. Am still learning ha ha.

This is the face of the future of this music. Levanna has just turned 18 and is a big fan of the music. This video went viral and she dances everywhere she goes. This video exploits two songs called ‘Happy’. She was invited to dance behind Pharrell Williams when he performed his song on the Brit awards because of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZLLPaX4SS4

Myself, her and a many others were on ‘The One Show ‘dancing when they did a special celebrating the soon to be released film called ‘Northern Soul, the film’. Clips are on YouTube, and there is a CD etc. You are never too old to dance! It’s good for the ’soul’ and keeps you fit. Don’t be old before your time! I am hanging on and yes, when I physically can’t dance, I will still go to the events and listen to the music and socialise ha ha.

Anyway should this develop I will let you know via the forum. I haven’t a clue really, but like my song writing and productions, hook or by crook I will do it! This is one of my releases from last year as a matter of interest and more Beach Boys/Four Season’s style: